WORDS & PHOTOS BY NAZ MASSARO!

This tour is for the die-hard fans. The fans that want to get up close and personal. The fans that have been around since the early 2000’s… And The Used came in with everything we were hoping for.

Starting their first tour of 2020 in San Diego at a small club, selling out in less than an hour, The Used did not leave those die-hard fans disappointed. As the lights went down they began the show with “I’m A Fake” which had everyone screaming the lyrics back to them. They played songs they don’t typically play like “Just a Little” which was released back in 2002 and one of the first songs the band ever wrote. The Used also played their newest single “Blow Me” for the first time ever which was flawless and ended with the band feeling proud and giving each other high fives. The setlist consisted of other fan favorites from all albums such as “Take It Away,” “Taste Of Ink,” and “Paralyzed.” From their wide variety of colored lights and their consistency of high energy; it was a show I’ll never forget. I have been to over a dozen of The Used concerts in my life, but the intimacy of this tour was something I have only dreamed of.

Now, let’s go back to the start of the show with the only opening band, Dragged Under. The crowd started off hesitant as if they felt the band had something to prove. The lead singer, Anthony Cappocchi, picked up on it and made a comment saying how “the energy felt weird in the room” and with that the energy quickly changed with the passion they brought to the stage with their heartfelt lyrics, piercing screams, and crazy guitar riffs. By the end of the first song the room came alive. Dragged Under is definitely a great addition to the tour! If you can snag a ticket to this tour, I strongly recommend it. Check out the next dates below:

The Used 2020 Tour Dates

Jan. 21 - Solana Beach, Calif. @ Belly Up
Jan. 23 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Troubadour
Jan. 25 - Sacramento, Calif. @ Ace of Spades
Jan. 26 - Portland, Ore. @ Hawthorne Theatre
Jan. 28 - Salt Lake City, Utah @ Metro Music Hall
Jan. 29 - Englewood, Colo. @ Gothic Theatre
Jan. 31 - Saint Louis, Mo. @ Delmar Hall
Feb. 01 - Chicago, Ill. @ The Bottom Lounge
Feb. 04 - Detroit, Mich. @ St Andrews Hall
Feb. 05 - Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Rex Theater
Feb. 07 - Baltimore, Md. @ Baltimore Soundstage
Feb. 09 - Boston, Mass. @ Paradise Rock Club
Feb. 11 - New York, N.Y. @ The Gramercy Theatre
Feb. 12 - Philadelphia, Pa. @ Theater of Living Arts
Feb. 14 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Terminal West
Feb. 15 - Orlando, Fla. @ The Beacham
Feb. 18 - Dallas, Texas @ Gas Monkey
Feb. 19 - Austin, Texas @ Mohawk
Feb. 21 - Albuquerque, N.M. @ Sunshine Theater
Feb. 22 - Phoenix, Arizona @ Crescent Ballroom

THE USED

DRAGGED UNDER

JANUARY 21ST, 2020
BELLY UP TAVERN, SOLANA BEACH, CA
PHOTOS BY NAZ MASSARO!

*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! 
NO EDITING AND/OR REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*

WONDERFRONT 2019
Photos by Naz Massaro
Words by Bryana Contreras

The first year of The Wonderfront Festival debuted in San Diego and it was everything we hoped for. Located in Downtown San Diego, this festival was the first to have such a unique layout with stages waterfront and venues spread through the city.

Ten stages were spread out through Seaport Village, following the water along the marina. You were not confined to the typical festival grounds but instead were able to access different stages spread out through downtown. You could exit, walk along the water or take a ferry to the next stage. People were even renting pedi cabs and enjoying a ride along the way. Typically each area had two stages accompanied with art installations, photo opportunities, and of course food and drink vendors. Going from stage to stage and experiencing the city itself between artists, really added an extra dose of freedom to the festival experience.

The location really set The Wonderfront Festival apart. Being directly on the water gave a more laid back feel, and people were sitting by the water throughout the day enjoying the gorgeous views. The marina had a constant flow of boats and ferries which gave festival attendees even more to enjoy through the weekend. It was set for a perfect time of year with amazing weather making the weekend feel just like a San Diego vacation. Each activation felt separate from the city but at the same time you experienced both the incredible ocean views as well as the gorgeous architecture of the buildings around.

The festival also incorporated art throughout the grounds. Photo opportunities, art installations, paintings, and even tapestries were some of the magical creations featured from from local artists. There was a variety different cuisines from local food vendors and of course alcohol was sold through out the festival in each area with a valid I.D.

The Wonderfront Festival had a wide variety of genres for music lovers of all ages. From reggae, to rock there was something for everyone.

Friday kicked off to a mellow start. Doors were set to open at 3:15 and ended up opening around 3:30. There were only about 20 people waiting per security line, but you feel the excitement and anxiousness to enter. Bad Suns opened the festival and they hit the stage within a few minutes after doors opened. It felt like an intimate concert but as they played, the crowd followed the music and started to fill in. As the crowd grew, so did Bad Sun’s energy. It was the perfect way to start a 3-day festival. Lil Baby really brought the crowd later that evening. Fans were packed at the stage waiting, and the minute he came out you could feel his presence. Walking out in a cloud of fog with his chains gleaming, you could feel the crowd’s excitement. As the set went on, so did the energy and you could hear fans screaming the entire set. The crowd really showed up for each set but the festival itself never felt overwhelming or too crowded.

San Diego really showed up for Saturday as there was definitely a higher attendance and more artists performing. Phantogram was one of our favorite artists from Saturday’s line up. The energy they brought was undeniably present. Phantogram’s electronic sounds, live band, and powerful vocals proved exactly why they were a perfect band for this festival.

Another band that really stood out was X Ambassadors. They played radio hit after hit and it seemed like everyone knew the words to all their songs. At one point the lead singer, Sam Harris, yelled “hug the person next to you! We are all experiencing this moment together!” In that moment the crowd got tighter and it truly felt like an inclusive moment. For a band to be closing out the day you get a lot of tired folks, but they really woke everybody up and encouraged everyone to be present.

Donna Missal opened the festival on Sunday. When she takes the stage, she commands your attention and she did just that. With her story telling, insane vocals, and captivating performance she truly stole the attention of anyone nearby.

Some other performers that really impressive were: Pepper, EarthGang, Walk The Moon, Grace Vanderwaal, Migos, Hippo Campus, and Ximena Sarinana.

The first year of The Wonderfront Festival did not disappoint. We are looking forward to seeing what’s in store for next year. This festival really gave the perfect amount of festival vibes, freedom, and adventure. Being able to experience the actual city as you move through each stage made it feel so unique. If you love music, gorgeous views, perfect weather, art, and adventure, this festival is for you. Don’t forget to sign up here to get notified when Wonderfront 2020 tickets go on sale!!

BAD SUNS

EARTH GANG

LIL BABY

PEPPER

X AMBASSADORS

FUN EXTRAS:

NOVEMBER 22-24TH, 2019
SAN DIEGO, CA
PHOTOS BY NAZ MASSARO!

*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! NO EDITING AND/OR REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*